Billy Graham: Learn to thank God for small victories!

Q: I’m about to give up trying to help people in our community who are in need. They’re never very grateful for what our church does for them, and anyway it doesn’t seem to change the way they live. Why should I bother? — T.D.

A: Let me ask you a question: Did Jesus give up when people ignored what He was trying to do for them, or they even turned against Him? No, He didn’t — and neither should we.

I know it can be discouraging to try to help people who aren’t grateful, or who even ignore or reject what you’re trying to do for them. It also can be discouraging to look at all the needs in the world, and realize that you aren’t going to be able to make much of an impact on them, no matter how hard you try. But God didn’t call us to be successful; He called us instead to be faithful — even in the face of great difficulty or indifference.

Instead of focusing on what you and your church aren’t accomplishing, focus instead on what you are accomplishing. Even if most people don’t seem to be grateful, you’ve still helped them. And even if most don’t seem to change, some will. Learn to thank God for small victories! Do you remember Jesus’ parable of the lost sheep? (You can find it in Luke 15:3-7.) Only one lost sheep was found — but Jesus said there would be “rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents” (Luke 15:7).

Remember Jesus’ words: “If anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple... he will certainly not lose his reward” (Matthew 10:42). Ask God to help you see those you are seeking to serve through His eyes.

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Q: Ten years ago, my wife and I didn’t want to bother with an elaborate wedding, so we just had a civil ceremony. But several months ago, we both committed our lives to Jesus, and now we’re wondering if we ought to have a church ceremony also. What would you advise? — M.W.

A: As far as the laws of your state are concerned, you’re already legally married, of course, so a second ceremony isn’t going to make you “more married” than you already are — at least as far as most people are concerned.

But I would encourage you to speak to your pastor about restating your vows to each other in a church ceremony. You weren’t thinking about God when you took your vows 10 years ago — but now you know Him, and you know that He loves you and wants to be at the center of your marriage. By re-taking your vows, you’d be admitting your need of Him in your marriage, and recommitting yourselves to His plan for your lives.

Never forget: God gave marriage to us, and when we build our marriages on Him, He’ll help us overcome the hard places that most marriages face. He’ll also teach us the meaning of true love — love that is self-giving instead of self-centered.

The Bible says, “If anyone obeys his word, God’s love is truly made complete in him” (1 John 2:5). Remember, too, the Bible’s command: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her” (Ephesians 5:25).

Recommitting yourselves to each other and to God could also give you an opportunity to point others to Christ — particularly friends you may invite to the ceremony who’ve known you over the years. May God bless you as you seek to walk with Christ every day through your marriage.